AFSCME Union leader says state needs jobs bill

[Omaha Steve]

http://journalstar.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/article_5f8fab06-1ce9-11df-b7c4-001cc4c03286.html

By DON WALTON / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Thursday, February 18, 2010 5:56 pm | No Comments Posted

A proposed six-month extension of increased federal Medicaid assistance would free money Nebraska could use to fund education and other services, a national union leader said Thursday.

Legislation already approved by the House would provide the state with nearly $89 million in additional Medicaid funding until July 2011, Chuck Loveless said.

The House bill would provide $135.4 million in education funding for Nebraska, he said.

The Senate has not yet acted on a second jobs stimulus bill.

Loveless is national legislative director of the 1.4 million-member American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

AFSCME counts 10,500 state employees in Nebraska along with 1,200 local government members.

FULL story at link.